Pickmos will not release on Steam in its current form after developer PocketGame removed the listing on April 16, 2026. The multiplayer open-world title first appeared as “Pickmon,” but it vanished from Valve’s platform following widespread accusations that its creatures copied designs from Pokémon, Palworld, and independent artists. Publisher NetworkGo has now assumed direct control of the project, forcing the team to rebuild significant portions before any future launch.
**Quick Facts: The Pickmos Situation**
– Original Title: Pickmon
– Developer: PocketGame
– Publisher: NetworkGo
– Delisting Date: April 16, 2026
– Platform: Steam (PC)
– Core Issue: Plagiarism claims regarding creature designs
– Key Comparisons: Pokémon series, Palworld, Temtem
Pickmos and the Steam Delisting Explained
The trouble started within hours of the Steam page going live. Players noticed that several monsters looked nearly identical to Pikachu and Charizard. Others pointed out striking similarities to creatures from Palworld, the survival-crafting hit that Nintendo is currently suing over patent claims. Independent artists also came forward, alleging that PocketGame had traced their fan art without permission.
The survival mechanics drew immediate comparisons to Palworld’s base-building systems. Players could capture creatures, put them to work crafting items, and battle other trainers. These elements aren’t unique to any single game, but the combination of creature designs and gameplay loops felt too familiar to many viewers.
“We spotted the similarities within minutes of the trailer dropping,” one community moderator told us. “The electrical mouse creature had the exact same cheek pouches as Pikachu.”
The Failed Rebrand from Pickmon to Pickmos
PocketGame attempted to fix the situation by changing the title from “Pickmon” to “Pickmos.” They claimed the new name reflected a “cosmos” theme and represented a fresh start for the brand. This move backfired almost immediately.
The creatures remained called “Pickmons” in-game. The suspicious designs stayed exactly the same. Players saw the name change as a shallow attempt to dodge copyright lawyers rather than address real concerns. Social media posts mocking the rebrand gathered thousands of shares within days.
From what we’ve seen, surface changes rarely solve IP disputes when core assets remain unchanged. The gaming community has grown skilled at spotting asset flips and copied content, making quick fixes nearly impossible to hide.
NetworkGo Takes Control of Pickmos Development
On April 16, 2026, NetworkGo announced they were taking over supervision of PocketGame. The publisher stated they would manage the developer “from a player’s perspective” to improve quality and address feedback.
This intervention led directly to the Steam removal. NetworkGo acknowledged that the current build could not launch without major revisions. Industry experts expect the publisher to demand complete redesigns of the controversial creatures before the game returns.
We tested early versions of similar monster-catchers before, and the legal risks here are obvious. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have grown aggressive about protecting their IP, as shown by their ongoing case against Palworld developer Pocketpair. NetworkGo likely wants to avoid expensive court battles that could cost millions in damages.
How Pickmos Compares to Other Monster-Catching Games
While both games blend monster catching with survival crafting, Pickmos and Palworld face different challenges. Palworld features original creature designs that walk a fine line but remain distinct enough to stay on Steam. Pickmos allegedly traced specific Pokémon silhouettes and copied fan art directly.
Palworld also launched before Nintendo’s lawsuit, giving it time to build a player base of over 25 million players. Pickmos faces scrutiny before ever releasing. NetworkGo must prove they can create original content, not just imitate successful formulas.
Based on our experience, players want fresh ideas in this genre. Games like Temtem and Coromon have succeeded by offering clear visual distinctions from Nintendo’s franchises. Temtem sold over 500,000 copies in its first month by using entirely original creatures. Pickmos needs to follow this path to survive.
The monster-collecting market remains crowded with competitors. Cassette Beasts and Nexomon offer fresh takes on the formula without risking legal trouble. Pickmos must find its own visual identity to join this group.
What’s Next for Pickmos and the Genre
The Pickmos situation highlights growing pressure on indie developers to create original assets. Major publishers now watch Steam listings closely for IP violations. The monster-collecting genre remains popular, but newcomers must work harder to establish unique identities.
NetworkGo has not announced a return date for Pickmos. The overhaul will likely take six months or longer given the scope of changes needed. Players interested in the genre should consider established alternatives like Palworld or Temtem while waiting.
Developers watching this case should note that players and companies both demand originality. Copying designs might generate short-term buzz, but it destroys long-term viability. Pickmos can only succeed if NetworkGo delivers truly distinct creatures that stand apart from Pokémon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Pickmos removed from Steam?
NetworkGo ordered the removal on April 16, 2026, after plagiarism allegations surfaced. The publisher now supervises a complete redesign of the game’s assets to avoid copyright issues with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.
Did Pickmos copy Pokémon designs directly?
Players and artists identified creatures resembling Pikachu and Charizard in marketing images. Independent creators also claimed PocketGame traced their fan art without permission, leading to the delisting.
When will Pickmos return to Steam?
No release date exists currently. NetworkGo must approve all new designs before the game relists, a process that could take several months given the extent of required changes.
How does this compare to the Palworld lawsuit?
Palworld remains available despite Nintendo’s patent lawsuit because its creatures feature original designs. Pickmos faces accusations of direct tracing, which presents greater legal risk and forced immediate removal.
What changes will NetworkGo make to Pickmos?
The publisher plans to replace all controversial creature designs and verify that no stolen assets remain in the game files before any future Steam release.
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